Ananthamurthy bats for quota for Dalits in MNCs

Writer U.R. Ananthamurthy and Socialist ideologue, Prof. Ravivarma Kumar, former Chairman of the Backward Classes Commission, Karnataka (right), during the Seminar on former Minister and Dalit leader late B. Basavalingappa, at Yavanika, in Bangalore on January 26, 2011. Photo: K. Murali Kumar.

Republic Day was celebrated on Wednesday across the city with festive fervour. Seminars, flag hoisting ceremonies and other events marked the occasion.

Jnanpith awardee U.R. Ananthamurthy called upon Dalits to pressure the Government to provide them reservation in employment in multinational companies (MNCs) that are coming to Bangalore.

Inaugurating a seminar on ‘B. Basavalingappa rajakaranada kendra sthanakke Dalita shakti', organised here by Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, Dalit Students Federation and Dalit Women's Federation, the writer suggested that the Dalits not only seek reservation, but also learn English and seek employment in MNCs as equals.

A bike rally and a seminar seeking implementation of the ideals of the Constitution was organised by the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti.

The seminar sought to address issues of universal literacy and disregard to the ideals set by the founding fathers in the Constitution by successive governments.

Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court J.S. Khehar unfurled the National Flag on the High Court premises.

The Bangalore Division of Southern Railways organised Republic Day celebrations at the Railway Institute Grounds.

Three platoons of Railway Protection Force, St. John's Ambulance Brigade, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Shama Vidyashala and St. Philomina's High School took part in the parade.

The former Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, participating in the Republic Day function at the Postal Colony Welfare Association in Sanjaynagar, said more industries should come to Karnataka. Association president S. Jayaram submitted a memorandum seeking a playground and a rangamandira in the colony.